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EC Regulation 2037/2000 on
substances that deplete the ozone layer
The UK, along with other members of the European
Union, has implemented the Montreal Protocol through an EC
Regulation, which is directly applicable in UK law. A new
regulation (EC Regulation 2037/2000), effective from
1 October 2000 replaces EC Regulation
3093/94 and implements the Vienna adjustment and the
Montreal Amendment and adjustment to the Montreal
Protocol.
From 1 October 2000 there was an immediate ban on the
sale and use of most CFCs, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,1,1,
trichloroethane. These substances are mainly used in
refrigeration, as solvents and in dry cleaning although
exemptions do apply.
Immediate bans have been placed on the use of HCFCs in
certain applications and their use in most new
refrigeration and air conditioning equipment is prohibited
from 1 January 2001.
Halons 1211 and 1301 used in fire fighting will remain
available until 31 December 2002 however most of these
systems must be decommissioned by 31 December 2003. This
derogation does not include bromochloromethane (halon 1011)
sale and use of which is prohibited from 1 October
2000.
The production and sale of methyl bromide, used in soil
fumigation and as a pesticide, is prohibited from January
2005.
Amendments to EC Regulation 2037/2000 can be found
here.
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The Environmental Protection (Controls on
Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002
As the EC legislation is in the form of a Regulation
it is directly applicable in UK law. However, domestic
legislation is required to, amongst other things, set out
offences and penalties in relation to failures to comply
with the EC Regulation. To this end,
The Environmental Protection (Controls on
Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 have been
made and entered into force on 31 March 2002. The
Regulations apply to England, Scotland and Wales. They
also extend to Northern Ireland but only insofar as they
relate to importation.